Dozens of kids and their parents took part in the town’s seventh annual Halloween parade. After gathering in Town Hall, about 50 people marched in costume around the circular drive outside the building. Despite some light rain, the costume-clad attendees paraded gamely until it was time to return to the building for refreshments.

Niskayuna Town Supervisor Joe Landry and other volunteers greeted attendees with donuts and cider after the parade.

Attendees roamed around Town Hall briefly after the event, which took place from 4 to 5 p.m. At one point, a few kids got behind the Town Board desk and leaned into the microphones, creating the image of Nintendo’s Mario, Iron Man and Rey from “Star Wars” leading the municipality.

A few parents who brought their kids said it was a fun way to let them dress up ahead of Halloween.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Safety measures in place

Meanwhile, next door in Schenectady, Mayor Gary McCarthy announced trick-or-treating hours: The Halloween tradition will be observed in the city from 2 to 8 p.m.

The city is asking residents to turn off their porch lights and stop handing out treats at that point, and is requesting that trick-or-treaters finish their door-to-door activities by that hour.

The Schenectady Fire Department will be providing candy, activity books and fire safety information at all four of its firehouses. Along with the fun stuff, it’s urging trick-or-treaters to take safety precautions such as carrying flashlights or battery-powered candles in jack-o’-lanterns.

In an effort to protect those on the road during the holiday, the Thruway Authority and New York State Police Troop T will be conducting the 40th annual “Pumpkin Patrol.” The joint effort is aimed at keeping motorists safe by preventing the dangerous Halloween prank of throwing pumpkins off overpasses at cars speeding past on the Thruway below.

“Reckless shenanigans can lead to dangerous conditions on the road and cause disruptions for motorists,” said Bill Finch, acting executive director of the Thruway Authority.

More than 300 volunteers from 16 different organizations across 20 counties in the state are expected to join the safety initiative this year, according to a news release.

In addition to watching for unusual Halloween-related activity, police will also patrol for intoxicated drivers, speeding vehicles, cellphone users and those violating the state’s move-over laws.